Busy? Bump Up Your Self Care with a ‘Health First’ Mindset 💕

Do you ever feel like you’re just pushing through and looking after yourself is getting shoved to the sidelines? I get it. It’s likely a tough time of transition for many of you.

You might have recently finished your kinesiology degree and are starting to study for the RKin exam in Ontario. Or you are looking to write a licensing or certification exam in another province or state.

Maybe you are in the early crunch days of wedding planning and managing young families. Or maybe you're feeling a bit squashed between kids transitioning out of your home to college or university and aging parents requiring more attention and care.

It’s a lot—no matter where you are in your lifecycle.

In your state of ‘busy-ness’ it can be difficult to prioritize taking care of yourself. Your preoccupation with everything but your own self might be guided by some set of beliefs that have formed over the years or maybe a perspective influenced by your parents. I call your awareness about your physical and mental state your mindset. How might you shift this mind state into a healthier place of self love?

First - take a quick inventory. Where's your mind focusing at the moment?

Bring your mind inward to a quieter space where you can appreciate your state of physical and mental tension, preoccupation with circumstances truly outside of your control and perhaps even repetitive thought loops that may not be serving your higher purpose. Surprised at what's going on in your mind? I bet! It's amazing what we are trying to juggle at any one time isn't it?

The thing about health is that you’ll never completely reach your goals if your mind is keeping you blocked. Taking a small amount of time to focus specifically on your physical and then your mental health is key. A regular check in, even for a few minutes each day can really raise your awareness of some less than healthy physical and mental habits.

The beliefs that guide your thoughts, feelings, and actions need to be aligned with HEALTH first rather than disease. So, how can we create and cultivate a mindset for health first? Here are a few ideas:

1️⃣ Envision where you want your health to be.

What is it that you are trying to achieve? Is it better sleep? Weight loss? Calmer mood? Take the time to clearly envision where you want to be. You can write, journal, draw, or talk with a loved one—whatever helps you best get clarity on your end goal. Perhaps you would like some outside support with your health goals? Check out Michelle Falzone’s blog about connecting with a health coach here.

2️⃣ Realize why you want it.  

Why do you want to achieve that goal? Do you need to focus to uplevel your professional status? Is it so you can have the energy to play with your kids? So you have the confidence to start your own business? So you have the mental space to be present with your partner? No matter how badly you think you want to achieve something, you will have a hard time sticking with your plan unless you are rooted in WHY you want it.

3️⃣ Focus on what you can control.

Not everything that affects your health is within your control. We all have a family history and events that shaped our past. In my nutrition world, we often talk about how genetics might cock the gun, but mindset and lifestyle pull the trigger. Now it’s time to look at what things you do have control over and can change. Focus your attention there. If you are trying to control ‘all the things’ and need some support with burnout, read Guiliana Jakob’s blog here.

4️⃣ Take imperfect action.

Taking action on the things you can control and that will move you towards your health goals is always more helpful than doing nothing at all. Don’t wait until the perfect time. Don’t wait until you have the money. Don’t wait until you know exactly what supplements to take. Act now and modify your approach later. Baby steps can make a BIG difference.

5️⃣ Celebrate small wins.

Even if all you have done is the first item on this list, that is a huge reason to celebrate. Every tiny step you take toward creating a ‘health first’ mindset is a win for you because it’s moving you in the right direction. 

Shifting your mindset is not necessarily an easy thing to do, and it definitely helps to surround yourself with other people who are similarly minded!

If you are interested in getting ‘health first’ mindset support as you study for the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario’s RKin Exam in September (or even next April) read more about Malik the Kin’s RKin Exam Prep Course here.

I would love to have you join Malik and me and all the other fabulous kin grads already in the course. 

You can get all the details here → https://www.firstlineeducation.com/exam-prep-course

Cheering you on with a ‘health first’ mindset,

P.S. If you like these tips and would like more supportive wellness and productivity recommendations, head over to find us on Instagram here.